I WILL accept criticism from those willing to work with me in taking Fiji forward, but I will not accept any attempts to cause poison and division.
This was the message from Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama at the 2018 Prime Minister’s International Business Awards in Nadi on Saturday.
Mr Bainimarama said he would work for every citizen, regardless of who they voted for in the 2018 General Election.
“But just as importantly, I work every day for the benefit of both those who agree with me on policy, and of all those who do not.
“And I give my full assurance that we have heard all voices that have spoken at the ballot box in this election, and we will listen.
“And I ask those whose support we did not win, to run with us, work with us, and help us continue to make Fiji a better, safer and more prosperous country for all Fijians.
“Not only by voicing your opinion and offering your critiques, as is your democratic right and civic duty, but by genuinely seeking to co-operate with us, and I assure you, I will give back that same level of commitment.
“But what we cannot accept are any further efforts made to poison the minds of our citizens with the hateful politics of division, by pitting Fijians against one another on the basis of ethnicity, religion, province, employer against employee, or any of the differences that politicians seek to create in our society.
“And we cannot accept any attempts to create economic chaos, with irresponsible statements about our economy and outright lies about our economic performance. We cannot and should not accept any lies about indigenous lands being permanently alienated from indigenous landowners. Because it is simply not true.”
